Looking for a delicious and easy way to turn simple cabbage into a satisfying dinner? These Cabbage Dumplings are a comforting, budget-friendly recipe made with tender cabbage, a flavorful filling, and simple pantry ingredients. They’re easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for a cozy family meal. Whether you’re looking for an easy cabbage recipe, a vegetarian dinner idea, or a creative way to use cabbage, these dumplings are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 lb ground pork or ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
For Serving
- Soy sauce
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Chili oil or your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer cabbage leaves and blanch them in the boiling water for about 1–2 minutes, or until they become soft and flexible. Transfer the leaves to a bowl of cold water, then drain and gently pat them dry.
2. Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, salt, black pepper, and green onions. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
3. Fill the Cabbage Leaves
Place one softened cabbage leaf on a clean surface. Add a spoonful of the filling near the bottom center of the leaf. Fold the sides inward, then roll the cabbage tightly around the filling to create a dumpling. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
4. Cook the Dumplings
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wide pot over medium heat. Arrange the cabbage dumplings seam-side down in a single layer. Pour the broth around the dumplings, cover, and cook for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is completely cooked.
5. Serve
Carefully transfer the cabbage dumplings to a serving plate. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve warm with soy sauce, chili oil, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Choose cabbage leaves that are large and flexible so they are easier to roll.
- Don’t overfill the cabbage leaves, as the filling expands slightly while cooking.
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of pork or beef.
- Add shredded carrots, mushrooms, or extra green onions to the filling for more flavor and texture.
- Let the dumplings rest for a few minutes before serving so they are easier to handle.
